Can I get a certified copy of a birth certificate...?

Telephone the Office of Vital Statistics in Lousiana and ask! If it is possible, you need to know exactly what documentation you need to bring with you, where the office is, what the fee is and how it must be paid (cash, check, money order, credit card, etc.) and what time you should appear in person. (If it is possible for them to issue a certified copy in one day, you will have to go there in person to get it. They will NOT fax a birth certificate, and even if they did, a faxed copy is NOT a certified copy.) You can find the office number on the US State Department web site, which has links to all state vital records offices in the passports section, and which is http://www.state.gov. The vast majority of states will not issue certified copies of birth certificates in one day, and will require a week to a month or more. However, it never hurts to ask. Don't hesitate to ask to speak to a supervisor if you are told no. Frankly, it may be quicker for you to go to the parish clerk's office in the parish where your husband was born, since they will have it, will be able to issue a certified copy, and may be able to do it in one day. By the way, while you are at it, get some extra certified copies and put them in your deposit box along with wills, deeds, etc. The first certified copy is usually fairly expensive ($15 to $30), but multiples which are requested at the same time are a real bargain ($2 to $5 each). Extras are needed when you apply for lots of retirement systems, Social Security, etc.